Alumni celebrate girl scouting

October 3, 2012

MAYVILLE - Girl Scout Volunteer Alumni members and guests recently observed the 100th anniversary of scouting by getting together for a special luncheon at Webb's Captains Table in Mayville.

Long-time scout Ro Woodard, formerly of Falconer and who served as a counselor at Camp Timbercrest for many years, gave a presentation of her March visit to Savannah, Ga., to help celebrate the birthday of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts. Before the presentation, Woodard donned a 1919 GS uniform, which had belonged to long-time scout, leader and Girl Scout Volunteer Alumni member Mary Cooper of Findley Lake. She noted, "any Girl Scout uniform is always a Girl Scout uniform."

While waiting for lunch to be served, singing was led by Scout Diane Evans, who also is the daughter of long-time Girl Scout Jody Evans. This was followed with reminiscing by several of those present, including Loretta Sage of Dunkirk, who has served as Girl Scout board president, and Rosemary Hayes of Brocton, who was one of those instrumental in the purchase of property in Cattaraugus County to establish what is now Camp Timbercrest.

Girl Scout Volunteer Alumni members who arranged the afternoon celebration with Jody Evans of Bemus Pont were Carol Johnson of Jamestown and Deanne Manzella of Westfield. All adults - men included - who have been involved in Girl Scouting as a young girl, leaders or volunteers are invited to join the Girl Scout Volunteer Alumni, founded in 1985. For further information, contact Carol Johnson at 484-0950 in the Jamestown area or Ann Weidman at 753-2414 in the Mayville area.

The observance of the beginning of scouting was enjoyed by all who were reminded, "Once a Girl Scout - Always a Girl Scout."